Reports: Charleston hires Akron's John Groce as coach
Akron Zips coach John Groce celebrates after a foul call during a Mid-American Conference Tournament semifinal against Kent State on March 13, 2026, in Cleveland. The College of Charleston is hiring Akron's John Groce as its new men's basketball coach, multiple outlets reported Monday.
Groce, 54, has guided the Zips to the NCAA Tournament in four of the past five seasons following previous coaching stints at Illinois (2012-17) and Ohio (2008-12).
Groce replaces Chris Mack, who departed last week to become the head coach at South Florida after going 45-20 in two seasons at Charleston.
In 18 seasons as a head coach, Groce has compiled a 377-225 record with seven trips to the NCAA Tournament. He was 85-56 at Ohio and 95-75 at Illinois before going 197-94 at Akron.
Groce was named the Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year in 2020 and 2025 and received the Hugh Durham Award in 2025 as the most outstanding mid-major men's basketball coach.
The Zips finished 29-6 this season, falling to Texas Tech in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
--Field Level Media
- MLB Predictions and Best Bets for Saturday's Biggest Games
- UFC Vegas 118 Betting Picks: Three Fights to Target on Saturday Night
- MLB Picks Today: Two Pitchers Set Up To Fall Short On Outs Props
- MLB Pitcher Props Today: Best Bets for June 3rd
- NBA Finals Game 1 Best Bets: Knicks vs. Spurs Predictions and Player Props
- Stanley Cup Final Game 1 Best Bets: Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights Picks
- Knicks vs. Spurs Game 1 Props: Three Best Bets for the NBA Finals
